Meet the Author

The FermentedlyChallenged blog has been retired since the end of October 2016. It has been a great 9 year run. Thanks to all the readers and brewery staff for all your support in the past. I'm living in the Denver metro area and working in the Cable TV industry now. Cheers and enjoy beer responsibly. Follow along on social media - @ChipperDave on Twitter and on Facebook.

Friday, July 29, 2016

[Northern Colorado Beer News] - Weekends were made for outdoor fun, get togethers and sipping on a cold local craft beer. Welcome to your weekend Colorado! There's several new beer tappings today and plenty of live music in local taprooms tonight. Go out and enjoy! Here's what's happening around the Northern Colorado craft beer scene today, Friday, July 29th, 2016. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you're not getting the full story. Picture of the Day: The Tavern at St. Michael's Square - Greeley, CO.

Boulder County Breweries

300 Suns Brewing - As part of their 1st Avenue Cone Zone Special today - stop in for XTRA Happy Hour today from noon to 7pm where you'll get $1 off pints and 10oz beers. Construction should be ending by the end of the day on 1st Avenue (hopefully). Located at: 335 1st Ave, Unit C, Longmont, CO. Crystal Springs Brewing Company will release a special beer tomorrow, July 30th at 1pm - Bob's Cedar IPA. The brewer's son Bob created this wonderful IPA and came out to Colorado to brew it at their brewery. It won 2nd place in the World Cup of Beer in 2015. Talk with the brewers and enjoy their brew with them Saturday. Taproom located at: 657 S Taylor Ave, Unit E, Louisville, CO.

Front Range Brewing Company has live music out on the patio tonight from 5:30pm to 7:30 with Mark Winters. Rock out with Mark and a beer tonight. Open tonight from 3pm to 10pm. Located at: 400 W South Boulder Rd, Ste 1650, Lafayette, CO.

J Wells Brewery is tapping a new small batch beer today - a Belgian Golden Strong Ale. They beefed this one up to a big 9.3% ABV and has an aroma and taste of spicy & fruity esters from the yeast. As J Wells says "Beer... because you can't drink bacon". Open today from 3pm to 9pm. Located at: 2516 49th St, Ste 5, Boulder, CO.

Left Hand Brewing Company - It's Infusion Friday! Today's special infusion is their Good Juju with hibiscus tea and peaches. Also on tap today in addition to their annual and seasonal draft brews, they have their popular Milk Stout and three cask conditioned ales too! Taproom open today from 11am to 10pm. Located at: 1265 Boston Ave, Longmont, CO.

Odd13 Brewing - For their upcoming 3rd Anniversary Party on Saturday, August 6th, Odd13 will tap an India Pink Ale - its full of citra hops, pink hibiscus, and guava for a unique aroma and taste. They'll also have live music, food trucks and more. Located at: 301 E Simpson St, Lafayette, CO.

Powder Keg Brewing Company - In addition to a full line-up of beers on tap, they've got live music lined up for Friday and Saturday night. Tonight listen to the music of David Tamkin. On Saturday, music from The Trouble With Dr. T. Bring a friend and unwind. Open tonight from 2pm to 10pm. Located at: 101 2nd Ave, Niwot, CO.

Sanitas Brewing Company will be closed today to the general public so that they can host a private event. They will be back open as usual to everyone on Saturday, July 30th.

Twisted Pine Brewing Company will be host to a special Party With A Purpose on Saturday, July 30th from 3pm to 9pm. Ten percent of the day's sales will benefit Rocky Mountain Riding Therapy. There will be crafts for the kids from 3-6pm, a Silent Auction of some fantastic items from 3-8pm, and live music from Selby Clyman Howarth Trio from 7-9pm. Located at: 3201 Walnut St, Boulder, CO.

Upslope Brewing Company will be hosting a BBQ Cookout party at their Lee Hill location this Saturday, July 30th from 2pm to 8pm. There will be lots of BBQ available from Rollin' Bones BBQ, games, prizes and plenty of Upslope craft beers. Located at: 1501 Lee Hill Road, No. 20, Boulder, CO.

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Larimer County Breweries

1933 Brewing Company will release their "High 'n Rye Pale Ale" tomorrow, July 30th just in time for the Pokemon Beer Crawl that day. at 12:30pm. Also tapped that day will be another Stash in the Back brew - Grapefruit IPA. Open today from 3pm to 9pm. Located at: 4025 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO.

Berthoud Brewing Company has their Hop DeVille back on tap tonight. It's a hugely hopped IPA with just the right amount of hop/malt balance. Plus, live music from The Symbols in the taproom tonight starting at 6pm. The taproom is open 12pm until 10pm tonight and Saturday, and open 12pm to 9pm on Sunday. Located at: 450 8th Street, Berthoud, CO.

Big Beaver Brewing Company - Free beer isn't always easy to find, but you can find some at Big Beaver on Fridays. For the first half hour of each hour until the keg is kicked, Big Beaver chooses a select keg and offers it up to the masses for free. The catch? It's just your first beer that's free while that keg lasts. Also, CSU students 21+ and faculty with ID get a free tasting tray of 8 samples. Open Fridays 2pm to 10pm, Saturdays 12pm to 10pm, and Sun-Thu 2pm-9pm. Located at: 2707 W Eisenhower Blvd, Unit 9, Loveland, CO.

Big Thompson Brewery has just released their newest creation: "HazeMaker", a New England-style IPA. They're calling it one of the best beers they've made so far! There's just a small batch of it so don't wait to try one. Also, tonight is "Chicken Talk" from 5-7pm. Meet Sara and one of her chickens and ask all the questions you might have about raising backyard chickens. Open tonight until 10pm. Located at: 114 E 15th St, Loveland, CO.

Black Bottle Brewery - Don't forget about the big Pokémon Go Beer Crawl this Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Better bring along extra phone batteries for this one. The fun starts at Zwei Brewing at 11am, then to 1933 Brewing Company, followed by Maxline Brewing, continuing on to Black Bottle Brewery (3:30pm Pokémon Lures will be going off!), and finishing up at The Mayor of Old Town. Lure Modules, giveaways, and specials, galore! This one is for the adults! Located at: 1611 S College Ave, Ste 1609, Fort Collins, CO.

City Star Brewing has live music tonight from Franklin Taggart from 7pm to 9:30pm and the G-Spot Noshery food truck will be parked out front from 4-8pm. And then on Saturday, it's the release of Pancho, a tequila barrel-aged sour wheat beer in bottles! Cost is $15 for a big bottle and limit 1 case per person. Then Saturday night, stop by for more live music from Hotfoot from 7pm to 9:30pm. Located at: 321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO.

Climb Hard Cider Company - Want some incentive for buying hard cider? Stop by World Beverage in Loveland this Saturday, July 30th and purchase a 4 pack of any Climb Hard Cider and you'll get a 32oz swing top bottle with a voucher for a FREE hard cider fill at their tasting room. Their tasting room is open today form 2pm to 10pm. Located at: 2707 W Eisenhower Blvd, Unit 3, Loveland, CO.

Crow Hop Brewing Company - Did you know that on Sundays, if you ride your bike to the brewery you'll get Happy Hour prices all day long! Regular Happy Hours are on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2pm to 5pm where you'll get $1 off full pours of all flagship and seasonal brews. Also, mark your calendars for August 12th, that's the release day for their new Road 23 Farmhouse Ale. Located at: 217 E 3rd St, Loveland, CO.

Equinox Brewing Company has plenty of free live music this weekend out in the Beer Garden. Tonight - Leaded at 7pm, Saturday - Tyler T 7pm, and Sunday - Zelcova and Josh Seymour at 4pm. Look for these beers to be tapping very soon - Cumulus Wit and Cosmic Kolsch. Located at: 133 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO.

Funkwerks - Winky, the winking Funkwerks grinning glass mascot, turns 6 years old this weekend and he's throwing a party to celebrate tomorrow, July 30th all day long. Like most 6 year olds, Winky has changed a lot over the last year. Winky likes: being filled with delicious beer, holding your beer for you and of course winking. He dislikes: 160 degree bath time in the dish machine and when busy beertenders accidentally drop him on the taproom floor. ‪Live music from 2pm - 4pm and also 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Street Tacos available from 12pm to 7pm and beer available all day long! A Pinata will be dropped at 1pm too. Get a chance to win beer or merchandise with every beer purchase. Located at: 1900 E Lincoln Ave, Unit B, Fort Collins, CO.

Gilded Goat Brewing Company - This soon to open brewery is making steady progress towards opening. They've recently put up the support system for their mezzanine, and have nearly completed all the drains for the taproom bar. They plan to open sometime around September in Fort Collins. To be located at: 3500 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse - Firkin Friday returns today with a special beer "Fruit Loops Fearless Youth". Yup, they poured in several boxes of Fruit Loops cereal into this one. It's fruity like a Toucan. The last firkin kicked by Monday. How long will this one last? Better hurry over so you don't miss it - it's firkin awesome! Located at: 623 N Denver Ave, Loveland, CO.

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company will be the location for a special fundraiser this Saturday, July 30th from 7-9pm in the taproom. This fundraiser will help out Colorado Volleyball Charities. Come learn about this organization and how they help the community over a fresh tasty craft beer. Located at: 124 Racquette Dr, Fort Collins, CO.

Loveland Aleworks - Two of their beers in the news today. First, their Strawberry Sour Ale taps today. Secondly, they have an American Red Ale on cask as well! More weekly beer releases coming up in August! Stay reading! Open from 12pm to 12am today. Located at: 118 W 4th St, Loveland, CO.

New Belgium Brewing - If you came to Fort Collins on vacation coming week unfortunately for you the New Belgium tasting room will be closed from Sunday, July 31st through Tuesday, August 2nd for a company retreat. So better stock up Friday and Saturday before they close for 3 days. New on tap today: NBB Love Felix, an American Wild Ale. Get growler fills for $6.09 for year-round beers, $11.99 to $19.99 fill-ups on Lips of Faith beers. Want a good deal? Grab $3 canned New Belgium beers outside in the Airstream out on the front lawn all summer. Located at: 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO.

Odell Brewing Company recently put up a new limited release beer on tap - "Go Long!" in honor of the upcoming football season. This beer is light, refreshing, well balanced and CRUSHABLE. It has notes of grass, dough, light lemon, and pils malt. Pairs well with football snacks. Stats: 5% ABV, 30 IBU, golden yellow color with a white head. Also, grab food from the Mac'N food truck outside tonight next to the beer garden. Located at: 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Rally King Brewing - Are you a regular at Rally King? If so, then you'll want to sign up for their new rewards program. Ask your beertender how loyalty can add up and get signed up! Open today from 2pm to 9pm. Located at: 1624 S Lemay Ave, Unit 4, Fort Collins, CO.

Rock Cut Brewing Company - The new beer menu board is now up on the wall and on it today is the return of their Bitter Librarian and also their Bock beer. Plus, they have a new single hop Pale Ale on tap too. Lots of new things for your weekend. Open today from 11am to 10pm. Located at: 390 W Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO.

Snowbank Brewing Company is tapping a Peach Sourado beer today infused with fresh Palisade peaches at 5pm. This specialty keg will be limited so get it while you can. In other news, the brew crew has been busy bottling their Cranknbrew Coffee Pale this week. Look for it in bottles very soon! Open today from 12pm to 9pm. Located at: 225 N Lemay Ave, Ste 1, Fort Collins, CO.

Zwei Brewing will be closed on Sunday at 5:00pm for a private event, but will be open from 11am to 5pm that day for every one. Come have a German-style brew this weekend! Located at: 4612 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO.

Weld County Breweries

Broken Plow Brewery - A full lucky 13 different beers on tap for this weekend. Plus, a local favorite acoustic duo - "Dan and Yoshi" will be playing the Plow tonight starting at 7pm. Also, Elements Wood Fired Grill will be parked outside to satisfy your hunger pangs. Open from 2pm to 11pm tonight. Located at: 4731 W 10th St, Unit G, Greeley, CO.

Crabtree Brewing Company - Attention Teachers! Enjoying your summer break? Why not enjoy an evening at Crabtree Brewing on Fridays where teachers get $4 pints all night long. Coming up Saturday night at 7pm it's Game Night hosted by Amy and Lane where participants get $4 pints until 12am. Board games, beers and your best friends. Then stop back on Sunday for their weekly Cornhole Tourney at 2pm. Located at: 2961 W 29th St, Greeley, CO.

High Hops Brewery will host a Pokémon Go Meetup this coming Wednesday, August 3rd from 4pm to 7pm. Enjoy a pint while you "catch 'em all". Wear your team color and get 10% off your beer tab - must show matching team app to qualify. Meanwhile, live music all this weekend - Friday 6-8pm, Saturday 5-7pm , Sunday 3-5pm. High Hops now has 40 taps! Always something new on tap. Food trucks on site each night this weekend out on the patio. Located at: 6461 Hwy 392, Windsor, CO.

UNC Brewery - Details for the upcoming brewery on the University of Northern Colorado are still being worked out. In the meantime, brewery organizer and UNC professor Michael D. Moshe will be doing a special presentation / history lesson on "The Science of Beer and Brewing" at 6pm on Friday, August 5th at the Greeley History Museum Community Room at 714 8th Street in Greeley, CO. The presentation is part of the museum's First Friday series, a free event. This talk ties into the museum's current exhibit of "Temperance on Tap".

WeldWerks Brewing Company - Fans of their Juicy Bits IPA take note - their popular New England-style hazy IPA is still on tap, but the kegs are getting low and crowlers of this brew won't last all weekend. Better stop in and stock up while you can. Limit 3 crowlers per person. They've got more brewing. Live music tonight from Professor Fox Band at 7:30pm and Unkle Bean's Eatery will be fixing food outside tonight. Located at: 508 8th Ave, Greeley, CO.

Northern Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged several times a week with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

The number of breweries in the United States is at an all time high in 2016 with just over 4,656 and there's nearly half more of that in the process of opening in the next year or two. Colorado alone has more than 300 craft breweries open at present with dozens more in the works. Some cities, like Fort Collins, Colorado, have as many as 1 brewery open per 7,600 people, a number that far exceeds the national average.

Regarding the number of breweries here in Colorado, we've all heard the following questions before and keep hearing them year after year since the craft beer craze began...

How many breweries can one Colorado town support?

How many breweries can open before we reach the limit?

Why do we have so many breweries today?

When will the craft brewery bubble burst in Colorado?

The answers to these questions and others are certainly not easy to answer. One way to try to answer these questions is to examine where Colorado is now, look at the brewery nation as a whole, and to examine what lies ahead.
Colorado is no stranger to craft breweries. The very first craft brewery, Boulder Beer Company, opened in 1979, the same year that President Jimmy Carter signed bill HR1337 repealing Federal restrictions on homebrewing in February 1979.

In the 1980's, Colorado had just a handful of "craft" breweries. In the 1990's a few dozen more were open. And by the mid-2000's Colorado had just over 100 craft breweries open. Just a decade later, that number swelled to somewhere just over 300 craft breweries. And while there are still dozens of Colorado breweries in the process of opening in the next year or two, the rate of adding on has started to slow. Hence all the questions on whether Colorado has reached a saturation point or not.

Colorado had roughly 5.45 million people living here as of July 2015, up 1.89% since the year before. Roughly 2/3rds of those people are of legal drinking age. Northern Colorado alone - broken down by county: Boulder County had roughly 319,000 people, Larimer County had 332,000 people and Weld County had 285,000 people - or nearly 936,000 people. Today's estimates put Colorado's 2016 population at around 5.55 million people and about 953,000 people in Northern Colorado. So with just over 300 breweries, that's roughly 1 brewery per 18,000 people in Colorado.

In 1873, there were 4,131 breweries in the US with nearly 39 million people in the US (1 for every 8,000 people). That number fell all the way to 0 breweries in 1920 when prohibition hit. After prohibition, that number slowly, and I mean SLOWLY, grew. There were just 89 breweries in the US by 1978 when homebrewing became legal again. But as of 2015, the numbers ballooned to 4,269 breweries with 330 million people (1 for every 77,000 people).

So in comparison, today was have 9 times the population of 1873, but just over the same amount of breweries. So in order to equal 1873's people to breweries ratio today, we'd need to have over 41,000+ breweries opened. Think there's room for more?

However, the massive growth rate of new breweries is slowing now. In 2014, there were 884 brewpubs & micro breweries that opened in the US. In 2015, the number of new brewery openings were 617. The pace is dropping off. Is the market starting to peak? Let's look at more numbers...

Source: Brewers Association

In 2015, Colorado had roughly 7.3 breweries per 100,000 adults age 21+. That ranks 3rd in the nation just behind Oregon (7.7) and Vermont (9.4). Some states has less than 1 brewery per 100,000 adults. So while Colorado is near the top of the charts, it seems that there may be still room for more according to Vermont's statistics and historical statistics.

Craft beer accounted for 12.2% of total beer production in 2015 (24.07 million bbls), up 12.8% over 2014. National beer production (craft and macro) fell 0.2% in 2015 over 2014 (196.7 million bbls). So while total beer production in the US slightly fell, craft beer production is still growing at a health pace.

Back during the Gold and Silver rush of the mid to late 1800's in Colorado a small mining town had roughly 1 brewery per 1000-1200 people, and that was sustainable - for a while at least. But as the boom went bust, that number dropped off quickly. So as long as jobs and the local economy held out, a town could sustain quite a high ratio of breweries per capita.

More statistics: The current US average: 1 brewery per 75,000 people. Colorado: 1 brewery per 18,000, about 4 times national average. For for the rest of the country, it seems they have a lot of room to add more craft breweries, but does Colorado?

We face a period of great uncertainty now. The 2016 Presidential Election has many concerned. The Economy is still moving in a mixed direction. The world is facing many crisis's. The scarier things get, the more people tend to drink alcohol. While that may sound like a good for breweries, that's not necessarily good for those planning to open a new brewery.

Arguments against bubble bursting: Many cities and large neighborhoods in Colorado still don't have a brewery yet. As the population grows there creates the opportunity for more breweries. There can be as many breweries as neighborhoods and not every neighborhood has a brewery. Cities like Fort Collins, Loveland and Denver have a high number of breweries to people ratio. The rate of brewery closures has decreased in the last year. The number of different styles of beer seem to be expanding with constant experimentation and attracting new fans to that style. (Examples: barrel aged beers, sour beers, cloudy IPAs)

Arguments for bubble bursting: The rate of expansion is slowing noticeably over 2014. Overall beer consumption in US is starting to go down as people look to alternatives: hard cider, hard liquor, mead, & wine. Some cities in Colorado have an unbalanced ratio of people to breweries. It's getting harder to find a unique brewery or beer name that isn't being used - just look at the number of lawsuits involving trademarks that breweries are in today. The number of breweries in planning is decreasing and the number who fail to open or abandon efforts after starting the process is going up.

But what really defines if there is still room for more breweries?

Quality of product has a lot to do with it. The general population's curiosity for variety is another. The general desire to find and try something new is yet another. The desire to travel and explore is another. And you can always examine the local economies of individual Colorado towns. One thing's for sure whether times be good or bad, people are always wanting to drink beer and they don't always want to drink the same thing.

So while we may not have all the answers, it does warrant further examination. What do you think? Does your town or neighborhood have room for another craft brewery? Share your thoughts on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

[Northern Colorado Beer News] - Thursday brings a range of new beer releases, plus the start of a weekend full of taproom music to many NoCo breweries. Thursday is the new Friday so don't wait til tomorrow to head to your favorite watering hole for a beer. Here's what's happening around the Northern Colorado craft beer scene today, Thursday, July 28th, 2016. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you're not getting the full story. Picture of the Day: Loveland Aleworks - Loveland, CO.

Boulder County Breweries

12Degree Brewing - Good news! 12Degree Brewing's Soleil Saison, a 2016 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal winning beer, is now back on tap! It's got a color as bright as the sun and is a beer that can be enjoyed outside on the patio. Quaff one today! Located at: 820 Main St, Louisville, CO. 300 Suns Brewing - Save the date - September 10th at 2pm - that's the date set for 300 Suns' 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off. This year there's something new, a craft beer, spirits and hard cider tasting! Early-bird tix are now available at a steal for a limited time. Show off your own homemade chili! Still spaces left for all levels of cooks. Sign up at: www.300sunsbrewing.com/chili-cookoff-entry/ - Located at: 335 1st Ave, Unit C, Longmont, CO.

Bootstrap Brewing Company - Fans of the music from Phish, Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Rolling Stones will want to stop by Bootstrap Brewing this Friday for a special band - The Good Kind. Also playing this weekend on Saturday is the Kickin' Rocks Band. Nothing like rockin' music and beer to get your weekend started. Located at: 6778 N 79th St, Niwot, CO.

Industrial Revolution Brewing Company has just tapped a new Pro-Am brew that they will be pouring at the upcoming Westy Beer Fest on August 13th - it's a Chocolate Raspberry Milk Stout. Get a taste of it early before the fest tonight! Located at: 285 Cheesman St, Erie, CO.

Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company - Just over 3 weeks away until their big 2nd Anniversary Bash & Music Festival on Saturday, August 20th from 12pm to midnight. There will be over 20+ LMBC beers on tap including some special releases that day. Live music from 4 different groups on both their outdoor and indoor stage. After 8pm 21+ only. Located at: 297 N US Hwy 287, Lafayette, CO.

Odd13 Brewing will host their 3rd Annual Block Party celebrating 3 years of Odd beers on Saturday, August 6th in and outside the brewery. The party runs from 12:00pm to 11:00pm. They'll once again be serving up some of your favorite small batches beers, sour ales and IPAs - plus more surprises all day long! Featuring 4 Food Trucks and a special tap list. Live music from 3 groups! Mark those calendars now beer lovers! Located at: 301 E Simpson St, Lafayette, CO.

The Old Mine has a new house cider on tap today. It's their Spiced Apricot Cider. It'll remind you of your grandmother's fresh out of the over cobbler only cold in a glass. It's a dark golden color and refreshing for summertime. Try it today. Located at: 500 Briggs St, Erie, CO.

Open Door Brewing Company wants you to enjoy the upcoming Boulder Craft Beer Fest for free? They're giving away 2 tickets to the August 20th festival. All you have to do to get a chance to win is post your favorite picture of an Open Door Brew Co beer to their Instagram account using @opendoorbrewco. Include the hashtag ‪#‎bcbfest2016. The contest ends on Sunday, August 14th. They will pick a winner and announce it on Monday the 15th! Headquartered in Boulder, CO. (No taproom yet)

Wild Woods Brewery - Looking for some liquid dessert tonight? They've brought back their S'mores Stout with Peanuts tonight due to popular demand. Get a 16oz pour for $6 while it lasts. Located at: 5460 Conestoga Ct, Boulder, CO.

AdvertisementParry's Pizza - now in Longmont, CO!

Larimer County Breweries

1933 Brewing Company - It's back! Open Mic Night is tonight. Sign up anytime after 3pm. The performances start at 5pm and last just before til closing time - 8pm. Show off your talent or enjoy listening to others. Also, don't forget that their Rye Pale Ale will be released this Friday (tomorrow), July 29th. 1933 Brewing is also one of 6 stops in Saturday's Pokémon Go Beer Crawl in Fort Collins from 11am to 5pm. Beer specials for Pokémon Go players. Lures will be dropped at this Pokéstop around 12:30pm Saturday, July 30th. Must be 21+ to get served. Located at: 4025 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO.

Berthoud Brewing Company is bringing back their popular brew "Hop Deville" this Friday, July 29th. "Hop D" is a hugely hopped IPA that is sure to please you hop heads. Also that day, listen to live music from The Symbols starting at 6pm. Located at: 450 8th St, Ste B, Berthoud, CO.

Big Beaver Brewing Company wants you to stop in tonight for Geeks Who Drink Trivia tonight from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. 1st and 2nd place teams win Beaver Bucks, 3rd & 4th place teams each get a Geeks Who Drink growler filled with any beer. Thursdays are also Ladies Night where the gals get 1/2 priced pints all day. Open today 2pm to 9pm. Located at: 2707 W Eisenhower Blvd, Unit 9, Loveland, CO.

Big Thompson Brewery celebrates Thirsty Thursday today form 5:00pm to 7:00pm with $1 off pints for 2 hours. Also, they just got in a new stock of Rebel Popcorn in - 6 different flavors! Also, the brewery is taking suggestions for what beer(s) to brew with the hops they are growing outside the brewery (Cascade, Galena, Fuggle, Willamette). It's almost time to harvest! Let your server know your suggestions. Located at: 114 E 15th St, Loveland, CO.

City Star Brewing - Bottle release this Saturday, July 30th at noon for City Star's Pancho Tequila Barrel Aged Sour Honey Wheat. They bottled 500 of these beers in big wax-topped bottles. Limit 1 case per person. Also, they will tap 1 keg of Pancho for sampling (sorry no growler fills). Live music that day from Hotfoot starting at 7pm and the Stick It To Ya food truck will be out front. Meanwhile, it's Thirsty Thursday - $1 off pints all day today - plus live music tonight from Corey Rezner at 7pm and on Friday from Davellie Band at 7pm. Open daily at 2pm (12pm Saturdays) and open til 10pm Thurs, Fri, Sat and until 9pm on Sun, Mon & Tues. Located at: 321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO.

Funkwerks will host a new beer debut tomorrow, July 29th in the taproom. That's the release date for "Solenna", a Belgian-style ale brewed with Brettanomyces. Available on tap and in bottles. Located at: 1900 E Lincoln Ave, Unit B, Fort Collins, CO.

Scrumpy's Hard Cider - File this one under "And now for something completely different..." - This Saturday, July 30th at 9:30pm at Scrumpy's they will host a Drag Show Extravaganza. It is time for another fabulous evening of drag at Scrumpy's! Join in with the CoTini Girls as they make this Saturday evening one to remember. The drag show is FREE, but make sure to bring plenty of $1s for the performing ladies! The cider will be flowing that night! Located at: 215 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Three Four Beer Company - This Fort Collins business just took their final step towards opening as a brewery. Last week on July 21st, Three Four Beer Company started brewing their 1st batch of beer! Prior to this month, they were serving only guest beers. Stay tuned for when this first beer will be put on tap in their taproom. They are now officially the newest brewery in Fort Collins! Located at: 829 S Shields St #100, Fort Collins, CO.

Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project - Don't forget tomorrow's beer release of their "Roll in Ze Watermelons", a watermelon gose - on draft AND in 22oz bomber bottles. The brewhouse workers have been bottling all day in preparation for Friday's release. Located at: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO.

Zwei Brewing - Good news for Zwei Brewing fans. They just installed a brand new can seamer and starting today they will start canning crowlers of Zwei beer! Ask them for details on your next stop in. Located at: 4612 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO.

Broken Plow Brewery - Every Thursday Night is Open Mic Night at Broken Plow Brewery from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The outdoor patio hosts some great local talent including you (if you are so inclined). Show off your skillz and enjoy the talent of others along with some great craft beers. Located at: 4731 W 10th St, Unit G, Greeley, CO.

Crabtree Brewing Company - Good news! Crabtree's Peach Habanero Red, Ginger Bee and Serenity are now all back on tap! Also today, free brewery tours and $2 off taster flights every Thursday! Located at: 2961 W 29th St, Greeley, CO.

Grand Lake's 16th Street Tavern - Every Thursday - Students, Teachers, Veterans and Hospital staff get 10% off their tab. Stop in and enjoy some food and a brew. Then on Fridays, get $2 off all beer flights and also $8 take-home six packs. Located at: 915 16th St, Greeley, CO.

WeldWerks Brewing Company is hosting the Greeley Wheelie Bike Relay Race today in the brewery parking lot from 5:00pm to 8:30pm supporting Turn Around Bikes. In addition to the relay race, there will be live art & music, food, a silent auction and kids activities. Plus, Weldwerks is offering $1 off beers for event participants all day. Come support this great cause! Located at: 508 8th Ave, Greeley, CO.

Northern Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged several times a week with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

[Northern Colorado Beer News] - Hop over the hump with a brew today. Fermentedly Challenged has some news today on where you'll want to head to save a buck on your favorite brew in Northern Colorado. The heat is still raging. We'll all need a cold one to stay cool during these dog days. Here's what's happening around the Northern Colorado craft beer scene today, Wednesday, July 27th, 2016. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you're not getting the full story. Picture of the Day: Echo Brewing Company in Frederick, CO.

Boulder County Breweries

300 Suns Brewing - Today from 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the taproom is the Chamber neXt Mixer event. The neXt miXer is the perfect opportunity for the young professional to network in some of Longmont's greatest places. It exposes the younger Chamber members to interesting local hot spots (also Chamber Members) to create a relaxed yet professional networking atmosphere. Enjoy free appetizers and artwork by Firehouse Art Center who is the featured non-profit for the event. Also today, 300 Suns will be donating 10% of the days sales today to the charity: OUR Center. Don't forget, 1st Ave is closed at Main St. Use 2nd Ave to Emery then south. Located at: 335 1st Ave, Longmont, CO. Boulder Beer Company - Special event at Boulder Beer tonight from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Join Boulder's business leaders at the Boulder Chamber's networking event series, Business After Hours! This month they will partner with the Bolder Young Professionals group for a night of connections at Boulder's oldest brewery, Boulder Beer! Enjoy some of the best brew around town and appetizers hosted by Boulder Beer. They are expecting over 100 Chamber members and guests so bring plenty of business cards. Be sure to Register Online for this event. Located at: 2880 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO.

Fate Brewing Company wants you to grab a can of any of their beers, feature it somewhere in a pic depicting 'taste summer' in the great outdoors and post it to social media using the hashtag #drinkyourfate and you'll get a chance to win a FATE core pint on the house. Feature one of their many canned beers. Located at: 1600 38th St #100, Boulder, CO.

Front Range Brewing Company welcomes back Small Batch Wednesday today with the release of their Gore Range Tripel today. It's a big 9.1% ABV brew with notes of orange, apricot, vanilla, honey and subtle spice. You won't find this one too boozy! Located at: 400 W South Boulder Rd, Ste 1650, Lafayette, CO.

Odd13 Brewing has a new batch of their Buzzin Cuzzin coffee stout. Made with Ethiopian coffee beans from Proper Grounds Coffee Roasters. This ought to help you get your coffee fix for the day. Located at: 301 E Simpson St, Lafayette, CO.

Sanitas Brewing has a full line-up of 6 different beers available in 6-pack cans at your local beer store or in stock at the brewery. Select from: Black IPA, Saison Ale, IPA, Grand Cru Amber Ale, Cherry Saison, or Citrus Lager. Located at: 3550 Frontier Ave, Unit A, Boulder, CO.

SKEYE Brewing is hosting another Boulder Swing Dance event tonight in the taproom. Don't know how to swing? Lessons are available starting at 7pm for $10. Then you can dance the rest of the night starting at 8pm for the main event. This is a social dance and all are welcome. Come for the beer too. Located at: 900 S Hover St, Ste D, Longmont, CO.

Upslope Brewing - There are still plenty of those GOLD cans hiding in Upslope Mix Box (12 pack cans). Find a GOLD RUSH can and you'll win one of several special prizes like National Parks passes, Upslope prize packs, or even a YETI Hopper 20 cooler. Located at: 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO.

Very Nice Brewing Company is doing their weekly Wednesday Vinyl Night tonight. Bring in your favorite old vinyl record and they'll play it. Located at: 20 Lakeview Dr, Unit 112, Nederland, CO.

West Flanders Brewing Company - Grab a crowler of your favorite West Flanders beer, Instagram a pic of it in the wild with the hashtag ‪#‎Fermentopia‬ and tag then (@wfbrews) for a chance to win 2 free tickets ($70 value) to Downtown Boulder's 3rd Annual Boulder Craft Beer Festival on August 20, 2016! They'll pick the winner the week of August 15th, so get snappin' and go explore! 2nd and 3rd places get some sweet West Flanders swag! Located at: 1125 Pearl St, Boulder, CO.

Wild Woods Brewery - Tonight you can get pitchers of select Wild Woods brews for $15 including their Windflower Pale, Berrypatch Wheat, Campfire Red, Treeline IPA, Ponderosa Porter, or Smores Stout. This offer is good every Wednesday. Also get double stamps on growler rewards cards tonight with each growler fill. Located at: 5460 Conestoga Ct, Boulder, CO.

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Larimer County Breweries

Big Thompson Brewery - Wednesdays are Half Priced Growler Day. Stop in for a pint and you can grab a growler full of your favorite Big T brew for half the regular price. The brewery now has their new Double Barreled Growler Carriers available to help you carry home two or four growlers in an easier way. Also, select Big Thompson gear is 20% off today. Located at: 114 E 15th St, Loveland, CO.

Black Bottle Brewery - Pokemon Go is taking the world by storm and several breweries in Fort Collins are organizing a Pokemon Go Beer Crawl this Saturday, July 30th from 11am to 5pm. Black Bottle Brewery is one of 6 beer stops in town that will be offering Pokemon Go players special deals. BBB will give you discounts based on your Pokemon Go Level. Level 5 = $1 off your 1st BBB beer. Level 10 = $2 off 1st BBB beer, Level 15 = $3 off 1st BBB beer, Level 20 = $4 off 1st BBB beer, and Level 25 = $5 off 1st BBB beer. The higher your level the more you save! Offer good only between 11am-5pm this Saturday, July 30th. Located at: 1611 S College Ave, Ste 1609, Fort Collins, CO.

City Star Brewing will be the beer focus of a special Beer and Cheese pairing event tomorrow night, Thursday, July 28th in Denver, CO down at The Denver Bicycle Cafe from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are $20 and will offer several 5oz pours paired with unique cheeses. Get tickets online here. CIty Star beers include: Scoundrel, Buccaneer, Happy Mango Imperial IPA, Rail RYEder and All American IPA. The Denver Bicycle Cafe is located at: 1308 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO. City Star taproom located at: 321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO.

Crow Hop Brewing Company - Today is Merch Wednesday all day today. Show up wearing your Crow Hop gear and get $1 off any full pour. Or just purchase a hat or shirt in the taproom and get a free flagship pint. Located at: 217 E 3rd St, Loveland, CO.

Fort Collins Brewery - Coming soon to store shelves near you - FCB's 2015 GABF gold medal winning Oktoberfest in a can! The brewery spent most of the day yesterday doing a big canning run of this year's Oktoberfest brew. Should be on store shelves by early August. Celebrate the upcoming Oktoberfest season! Located at: 1020 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Funkwerks - A reminder that this Saturday, July 30th from 11am to 9pm at the taproom is their big Winky's 6th Birthday Party. There will be plenty of Funkwerks beer, live music and lots of tacos too. Live music from two bands 2-4pm and 4:30pm-7:30pm. You'll get a chance to win beer or merchandise with every beer purchase. They'll even hang a pinata for you to swat at around 1:00pm. Come help celebrate 6 years of saisons. Located at: 1900 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse has a Hump Day special. Today they're offering $4 off Bier De Grimm growlers and also $2 off all other beers. Wednesday is always a good day to stock up for your next adventure. Located at: 623 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO.

Loveland Aleworks - Another new seasonal beer release hits the taps this Friday at noon. Stop in for a glass of their Strawberry Sour Ale. They kettle soured this beer and added in over 21 pounds per barrel of strawberries. No wonder there's a shortage of berries in Loveland! Located at: 118 W 4th St, Loveland, CO.

New Belgium Brewing announces that their Fort Collins tasting room will be closed for three days July 31st through August 2nd for a brewery retreat. Better get in there earlier to stock up on growlers, bottles and cans to go. They'll be back open soon enough - no worries. Located at: 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO.

Snowbank Brewing Company has their weekly Wear It Wednesday offer today. Wear your Snowbank gear to the taproom and get a $1 off your first pint. Or buy a new Snowbank shirt and your first pint is on the house. Their bottlecap t-shirts are even $5 off today too. Open from 2pm to 8pm. Located at: 225 N Lemay Ave, Ste, 1, Fort Collins, CO.

Weld County Breweries

Brix Taphouse & Brewery - There's a special musical event tonight at Brix featuring Gii LIve! The musician Gii will select 3 of his favorite beers and Brix will offer those for $4 during his performance. If you try all 3 of his favorite beers that night then you will also receive a unique demo CD of his music (while supplies last). The performance runs from 7pm to 9pm. Always a selection of 60 Colorado craft beers and hard ciders on tap. Located at: 813 8th St, Greeley, CO.

Broken Plow Brewery - Put on yer Pirate costumes tonight for the big Pirate Patio Party & Potluck. That plus it's Trivia night too! Extra points for your trivia team for each person dressed up as a pirate. Quizmaster Entertainment is providing the main course - you bring the side dish to share. Come early to get a seat and for the potluck. Trivia starts at 7pm. Located at: 4731 W 10th St, Unit G, Greeley, CO.

High Hops Brewery is tapping a firkin inspired once again by Sponge Bob - it's Saison Pants Part Deux - a pineapple saison. It taps at 5pm so better head their now to get a glass. Located at: 6461 State Hwy 392, Windsor, CO.

Wiley Roots Brewing Company - The next Fireside Chat with Head Brewer Kyle is set for Friday night, August 5th at 7pm. The topic for the evening is Barrel Aging. Hear about barrel sourcing, blending barrels, barrel aging both clean and sour beers, and preparing barrels to be cellared. Open to anyone 21+ with the purchase of a beer. Located at: 625 3rd St, Unit D, Greeley, CO.

Special Events

Great American Beer Festival - Ticket sales for the 2016 Great American Beer Festival at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado go on sale NEXT WEEK! Are you prepared to get your tickets? Existing members of the Brewers Association and the American Homebrewers Association can buy tickets starting on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 10:00am Mountain Time. Then on the following day, Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 10:00am Mountain Time the public ticket sale will begin. Tickets are being sold once again on Ticketmaster.com so you might just want to ensure you have an account on Ticketmaster prior to then to avoid any delays when the clock strikes 10am. Tickets have been known to sell out in less than 45 minutes during the public sale. So if you and your friends want to go - you'd all better try to get tickets at the same time. Expect ticket prices to be in excess of $80 (plus service fees) per session. The event takes place across 3 days and 4 sessions October 6-8, 2016. For more information about the GABF visit: www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com.

Northern Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged several times a week with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

[Northern Colorado Beer News] - Two weeks worth of political conventions will either have you pumped up or bummed out. Thank goodness there's plenty of local craft beer news to get you through it all. Turn off the DNC and head out to your favorite brewery, bar or pub and enjoy a pint or two. Plenty of specials and events set for tonight around NoCo. Here's what's happening around the Northern Colorado craft beer scene today, Tuesday, July 26th, 2016. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you're not getting the full story. Picture of the Day: Beer glasses at Funkwerks - Fort Collins, CO.

Boulder County Breweries

300 Suns Brewing - Due to road construction blocking off 1st Avenue from Main Street all this week (Monday-Friday), 300 Suns asks everyone to get there by turning east on 2nd Street (off Main), then south on Emery and you'll arrive at the brewery just fine. And to reward your efforts, they're offering a free pint deal. Buy one pint or 10oz beer and get one of equal or lesser value for free! Open from 12pm to 9pm tonight. Located at: 335 1st Ave, Longmont, CO. Avery Brewing Company is getting ready to celebrate their 23rd Anniversary with a big party on Saturday, August 6th from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. You'll be able to drink from over 60+ vintage beers, drink with your friends, drink with friendly brewers, rock out to live music from the North Mississippi Allstars, wear your favorite beer shirt, wear edible jewelry (aka pretzel necklaces), socialize, dance and more. Tickets are $20 for the base access or $60 for Aficionado access which also gives you base access plus 9 special beers not available to the rest and lots of food. Get tickets at Eventbrite. Located at: 4910 Nautilus Ct. N, Boulder, CO.

Boulder Beer Company - This month's featured beer release is their Good Trip Tripel, a Belgian-style strong ale. Inspired by the beers that Belgian monks brewed, Good Trip is a slightly spicy, golden-colored, Belgian-style Strong Ale. Now available in 22oz bottles and on draft. Stop by the brewery for a free brewery tour daily at 2:00pm. Additional tours on Saturday at 4pm (closed Sundays). Live music on the patio on Thursdays and Saturdays from 5pm to 9pm. Located at: 2880 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO.

Echo Brewing Company - Their staff's summer vacation is over and now the brewery is back to normal summer business hours this week! Their taproom is open today from 4:00pm to 9:00pm for beers and food. Come on back in! Located at: 600 Briggs St, Erie, CO.

Front Range Brewing Company - Open Mic Night returns again tonight from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Stop in for some great local talent (including yours) and grew brews. They still have some 3rd Year Anniversary MaiTai Helles on tap still but it's going fast. Located at: 400 W South Boulder Rd, Ste 1650, Lafayette, CO.

Großen Bart Brewery has brought back their popular Very Nice Grossen Bart California Common Lager. It's a collaboration beer they did with Very Nice Brewing Company. They made 10 barrels worth and split it between the breweries. Come for a pint! Also, tonight is Trivia Night at the brewery with Brews & Qs. Tavos Corner will be on site serving up tacos too! Located at: 1025 Delaware Ave, Longmont, CO.

J Wells Brewery has a special Tuesday deal for the ladies. Tuesdays are Ladies Night at J Wells with $2 off pints from 3pm to 9pm. Then on Wednesdays, stop back for their $10 Growler Refill special all day long. Located at: 2516 49th St, Ste 5, Boulder, CO.

Left Hand Brewing Company - Want to listen to live bands playing the music of Van Halen, The Who, Grateful Dead, Cheap Trick, REM, Sublime, Bruce Springsteen, The Pretenders and Primus? You're in luck, come to this year's Leftapalooza Mile High Tribute Band Competition - set for Saturday, August 6th in Roosevelt Park (700 Longs Peak Avenue) in Longmont from 12pm to 10pm. Tickets available at Ticketfly. Lots of Left Hand beers available during the performances. Even a special VIP Experience available. Taproom located at: 1265 Boston Ave, Longmont, CO.

Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company has a special S'Mores & Beer Pairing event tonight from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. There will be 4 LMBC beers paired with 4 different s'mores offerings. Beers featured are: Apple Saison, Renown Peanut Butter Porter, Imperial Porter and their IPA. Tickets are $15 for the pairing event. RSVP on their Facebook event page and follow their directions. Located at: 297 N US Hwy 287, Lafayette, CO.

Pumphouse Brewery - Attention Harley Davidson riders! Tomorrow, July 27th starting at 6pm, Pumphouse Brewery along with Harley Davidson motorcycles will sponsor a Roll-In Bike Show. Part of Longmont Bike Night. And by bike they mean choppers! Show off your ride. Located at: 540 Main St, Longmont, CO.

Shoes & Brews - This weeks specials and events: Today get $1 off taster trays. Thursday - Social Run starting at 6pm with @sweatxsport. Then on Friday get $1 off pints when you wear a Hawaiian shirt. Located at: 63 S Pratt Pkwy, Unit B, Longmont, CO.

Big Thompson Brewery has their regular Tuesday special today for Taster Tray Tuesday. Get 5 tasters for $5 or, if you're extra thirsty, get 8 tasters for $8. Taster trays make for great Instagram shots. Located at: 114 E 15th St, Loveland, CO.

C.B. & Potts Brewery & Taphouse - Over the weekend, C.B. & Potts tapped a new brew that you'll want to try. Stop in and ask for a Halley's Comet. It's a dry hopped American wheat ale that was brewed with a huge load of Comet hops. It's got a taste that'll get you feeling like taking a trip around the solar system. Located at: 1427 W Elizabeth St, Fort Collins, CO.

City Star Brewing - There's a lot going on this week at City Star starting off with Trivia on Wednesday night starting at 7:30pm. Live music in the taproom on Thursday (Corey Rezner), Friday (Daveliie Band) and Saturday (Hotfoot) this week. Food trucks outside on Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun. Plus, don't forget the bottle release of Pancho, a tequila barrel-aged sour honey wheat this Saturday, July 30th. Limit 1 case of 22oz bottles per person ($15 each). Located at: 321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO.

Equinox Brewing Company tapped two new beers over the weekend. Stop in to try these new batches: Big Dipper Honey Nut Cheerio Brown Ale and also the Midsummer Pale Ale. Look for two other beers coming soon: Cumulus Wit and Cosmic Kolsch. Located at: 133 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO.

Fort Collins Brewery - Help FCB raise funds for The House That Beer Built II today. All day today from 11am to 9pm in the tavern, FCB will donate all proceeds from sales of their Hefeweizen to Habitat for Humanity and The House That Beer Built. Drink for a good cause! Located at: 1020 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company - Tonight at the brewery, come socialize, get informed and start participating with Partners Mentoring Youth's first SIP Series event. Partners Mentoring Youth will be talking about the Mentoring Gap for youth, who it affects, what impact it has on our youth, and what you can do to help close this gap. The talk will run from 7:00pm to 7:30pm tonight and there will be time to socialize before and after. Participants will receive a round of beer from H&D and free snacks will be available too. Help be the difference in the life of a child. Located at: 124 Racquette Dr, Fort Collins, CO.

Intersect Brewing - Progress is being made towards opening later this summer. Intersect Brewing has been working with Maxline Brewing and Troubadour Maltings on their initial test brew. Get ready for more updates on their plans for opening soon. Brewery will be located at: 2160 W Drake Rd, Ste A-1, Fort Collins, CO.

Jessup Farm Barrel House had two beer releases over the weekend that you can still enjoy today. Stop in for a taste or a glass of either their Leggy Blonde barrel-aged ale with Brettanomyces or their Dancing in Publick Whiskey bourbon barrel-aged brown ale collaboration beer they did with both William Oliver's Publick House and Dancing Pines Distillery. Today all hospitality and service industry workers get $2 pints all day. Located at: 1921 Jessup Dr, Fort Collins, CO.

Loveland Aleworks - A free pint is waiting for you at Loveland Aleworks. All you have to do to get it is buy a t-shirt or other Loveland Aleworks gear tonight. Remember the gear you already bought? Good - wear it tonight and get $1 off your pint. It pays to represent! Located at: 118 W 4th St, Loveland, CO.

McClellan's Brewing Company - What's infinitely more better than listening to the DNC? How about $6 growler refills all day at McClellan's! You might need two of them to get you through all those speeches. Located at: 1035 S Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins, CO.

Old Colorado Brewing Company - Today marks the release of their Opa Brown Ale. And to top it off, you'll get $1 off pints too today. All tips received from now thru the end of the month will go to Colorado Horse Rescue Network. Located at: 8121 S 1st St, Wellington, CO.

Pateros Creek Brewing Company - Make yourself a reminder - Monday through Friday from Noon to 4pm is Happy Hour at PCBC with $1 off pints. Grab some lunch and have yourself a discounted brew! Who says you have to wait until 5 o'clock? Located at: 242 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Snowbank Brewing Company will be the focus of a special Beer Dinner hosted at The Wapiti Colorado Pub Loveland this Thursday, July 28th at 5:30pm. This will be a full five-course beer pairing. The cost is $38 per person if you preorder - call (970) 635-1985 for reservations. Also, back in the taproom, today is Tech Tuesday. If you work for a local tech company or for an educational facility then show your work ID and get $2 off pints all day. Open today 2pm to 8pm. Located at: 225 N Lemay Ave, Ste, 1, Fort Collins, CO.

Weld County Breweries

Brix Taphouse & Brewery - Included in the 60 Colorado craft beers on tap are 4 of Brix very own house brews. Come get a taste of these brews: Suntoucher IPA, Blondie on the Block Blonde Ale, Bikini Bottom Pineapple Wheat or their Irish Red. So many beers to choose from. Betcha can't catch 'em all. Also, tonight is a special FATE Brewing Pint Night tonight starting at 7pm to 9pm. Some of the FATE Brewing staff from Boulder will be on site pouring several of their beers. Located at: 813 8th Street, Greeley, CO.

Echo Brewing Company - After a short hiatus, Tuesday Trivia is back tonight from 7pm to 8:30pm. The taproom is open today from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. Stop in for a brew and a bite and bring your friends for Trivia. Located at: 5969 Iris Pkwy, Frederick, CO.

High Hops Brewery - Wednesday's Firkin Release this week is a pineapple saison called "Saison Pants Part Deux". This is a funky, tangy brew with sweet undertones of tropical fruit. It taps July 27th at 5pm. Also, Pokemon GO players will want to show up at the brewery on Wednesday, August 3rd sporting your Pokemon team color from 4pm to 7pm for a Pokemon Meetup. If you wear your team color you'll get 10% off your beer tab. Later this week, live music on Friday 6-8pm, Saturday 5-7pm and Sunday 3-5pm out on the patio stage. Located at: 6461 Hwy 392, Windsor, CO.

Northern Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged several times a week with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

[Press Release] Boulder, CO • July 26, 2016—Craft brewers are still growing, according to new mid-year data released by the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers. American craft beer production volume increased eight percent during the first half of the year.
“While the craft brewing industry is entering a period of maturation, most markets are not near saturation,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “As craft’s base gets larger, as with any industry, it becomes more difficult for it to grow at the same percentage rate. Yet there is still tremendous dynamism reflected in eight percent growth for craft. Production growth of small and independent craft brewers continues to be one of the main bright spots for domestic beer in the U.S. Even in a more competitive market, for the vast majority of small and independent brewers, opportunities still exist.”

As of June 30, a record high of 4,656 breweries were operating in the U.S, an increase of 917 breweries over the same time period of the previous year. Additionally, there were approximately 2,200 breweries in planning. Craft brewers currently employ an estimated 121,843 full-time and part-time workers in a variety of roles including many of manufacturing jobs, all of which contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.

“The opening rate compared to closing rate for breweries remains incredibly strong, with a historic number of breweries operating in the U.S.,” added Watson. “As long as there is growing consumer demand, beer lovers’ thirst will continue to advance the category of craft brewed beer from small and independent producers.”

Note: The data set includes the small and independent breweries that the Brewers Association anticipates being included in the 2016 data set.

Craft brewer definition: An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered beers.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Looking for a great Colorado beer bar in the Boulder - Longmont area? If you want variety and selection - Boulder County not only has some of the best craft breweries in the state but also has some of the best beer bars around.

The cities of Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Lyons, and Niwot Colorado have a multitude of fine eating and drinking establishments with large craft beer selections to choose from. Whether it be fresh on tap or from a great collection of local, domestic or import beer in bottles - these places won't steer you wrong.

Note: Local breweries have purposely been kept off this list. In addition, chain restaurants such as Old Chicago, Buffalo Wild Wings, The Tilted Kilt and East Coast Pizza have also been kept off the list as you can find those all across America. This list focuses on the area's unique beer bars, pubs & restaurants only. Boulder County LocationsLast updated: July 24, 2016

Next Door (Boulder)
1035 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 542-8159thekitchen.com/nextdoor-boulder/
A community pub serving great American pub food with vegan and vegetarian selections and a variety of craft beers. Around 10+ rotating beers on tap.

Parry's Pizzeria & Bar
1232 South Hover Road
Longmont, CO 80501
(303) 651-1010www.parryspizza.com/longmont/
Featuring 100 taps of the best craft beers available from local, regional and worldwide. Serving up some of the best pizza, wings and calzones around.

Smokin' Daves BBQ & Taphouse
228 Main Street
Lyons, CO 80540
(720) 325-5033www.smokindavesq.com
20 craft beers on tap, many more available in bottles. One of the best places for BBQ in the Boulder County area.